US2203781A - Control and operating mechanism for unloading washers - Google Patents

Description

June 1-1, 1940. F. A. GERLACH 2,203,781

CONTROL AND OPERATING MECHANISM FOR UNLOADING WASHERS Filed Sept. 14, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.

INVENTOR FRANK A. GERLACH Y/ %TORI JZY E June 11, 1940. F. A. GERLACH 2,203,781

CONTROL AND OPERATI NG MECHANISM FOR UNLOADING' WASHERS Filed Sept. 14, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. '2 -|NVENTOR FRANK A. GERLACH June 11, 1940. F. A. GERLAC H 2,203,781

CONTROL AND OPERATING MECHANISM FOR UHLOADING WASHERS Filed Sept. 14, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. -4

' INVENTOR FRANK A. GE RLACH.

June- 11, 1940. F, GERLACH 2,203,781

CONTROL AND OPERATING MECHANISM FOR UNLOADING WASHERS Filed Sept. 14, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR 3 BY FRANK A. GERLACH ,W ATTORNEYJ June 11., 1940. A GERLAH 2,203,781

CONTROZZ AND OPERATING MECHANISM FOR UNLOADING WASHERS Filed Sept. 14, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 'INVENTOR FRANK A. GERLACH ATTORNEY5 J 1940., F. A. GERLACHV 2,203,781

CONTROL AND OPERATING MECHANISM FOR UNLOADING WASHERS Filed Sept. 14, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 46 a b /0/ m4 M2 ma r J l FlG.-I0 'M p QeT m a, 7 6 0' //3a. INVENTOR 1 /08 m m FRANK A; GERL-ACH June 11., 1940. F. A. GERLACH 2,203,781

CONTROL AND OPERATING MECHANISM FOR UNLOADING WASHERS Filed Sept. 14, 1936 '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 i /.?4 143* 74.5 r' ,w i 44.1 me- 1 l V /4/ M9 3 z N l 33 INVENITOR N1 FRANK A. GERLACH -V BY fire N Y5 P antain 11, 1940 umrao STATES oon'rnor. AND oraaa'rmo mecmuvrsm roa UNLOADING wasnuas Frank A. Gerlach, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor to The American Laundry Machinery Company,

Norwood, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application September 14, 1936, Serial No. 100.594

11 Claims. (01. 88-210) i This invention relates to improvements .in washing machines and more particularly to improvements in operating and control mechanism for a washing machine of the self-unloading type. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide in a self-unloading washing machine means forlifting the washing cylinder out of its casing for an unloading or dumping operation, and a train of mechanical connections for rotating the cylinder during a washing operation which remains in driving relation throughout the unloading or dumping operation. One of the disadvantages of prior constructions was that the driving connections for rotating the cylinder were broken during a dumping operation and difllculties were involved in re-establishing the driving connection after the dumping operation.

The present invention provides a single motor irivefor all of the operations of the machine with novel disconnectible driving connections for pro: :lucing the various operations as desired.

Among the novel features of the present invention are operating circuits for the motor drive inda novel control means so arranged that the :ircuits for one machine operation are automatizally broken when the circuits for another ma- :hine operation are established. The control leans is so arranged that theproper driving con- .iectionsare established coincidentally with the movement of the control means to establish the proper motor energizing circuits for the desired iperation.

The present invention provides novel control rneans whereby a reversible motor is utilized for rotating the washing cylinder in opposite direc- ;ions for a washing operation and the reversible features of the motor-are also utilized in spotting .he cylinder in proper position for access to the nterior of the washing machine or for a dumping Jperation and the reversingmotor is also used so control the lifting of the cylinder bodily out if and into the surrounding casing.

Other novel features will be found in various ietails of the operating and control mechanism which will be pointed out in connection with the iescription of the embodiment disclosed in the lrawings and the essential features will be sumnarized in the claims.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a washing machine embodying my invention, a Jortion of the right and left hand end coverings Jeing broken away to expose the drive mechaiism;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged end elevationof the right iand end of the machine shown in Fig. 1, the

cover being removed and parts of the frame broken away to more clearly show the construcof Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line Fig. 8 is a fragmental sectional elevation of a detent device and switch in the cylinder rotating position, showing their association with the operating lever, the view being taken along the line 8-8 of Figs. 2 and 3 with the lever shown in a plane 90 from the rest of the mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 6 showing the cylinder lifted out of the casing for a dumping operation; r

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 8, taken on the line Hi-Ill of Figs. 21 and 3 and with the parts in the position corresponding to a cylinder dumping operation; and

.Fig. 11 is an electrical diagram of the operating I and control circuits.

On longitudinally extending main frame members l5 and iii are rigidly mounted end heads I1 door I9 having a supply trough and a handle 2|. The door is slidable in guides 22 and 22a. Because a washing machine of the dumping type must have a door uninterrupted throughout the length of the machine, means is provided for supporting the door-so that it is easily moved. The means shown comprises brackets 23 which support studs carrying ball bearing rollers 24 which ride upon the convex surface of the guides 22 and 2211 so as to maintain the door IS in floating position. The upper portions of casing l8 and end frames I1 and Na together provide a cover segment 25 which is hinged at 26 and opens to permit the lifting of the washing cylinder out of the casing.

The casing door I9 is partly counterbalanced by spring actuated devices I10 and to which are alike and located at opposite ends of the door;

As best seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the device l'lll comprises a metallic tape I'll fastened to the forward end of door It at I12 and extending around and secured to a retrieving pulley I12 which is robracket I15. A coil spring within pulley I13 is bers i5 and I6 is supported an end frame con-- struction 21 which is formed of structural members welded together. Upon cross channels of this end frame construction is mounted a base plate 28 supporting the driving motor 29. The motor shaft is connected by a combined flexible drive and brake drum 39 with a shaft 3| which is suitably journalled in a bracket 32 supported on the frame 21. A solenoid operated brake 33 is suitably arranged to coact with the drum 36. Rotatable with shaft 3| is a sprocket 34 which is connected by a drive chain 35 with a sprocket 36 which is rotatable with the main drive shaft 31. This shaft has one end bearing 31a supported by bracket 38, an intermediate bearing 3117 supported by a housing 38, and another end bearing 310 which will be presently described.

A two-way clutch connection between shaft 31 and the cylinder rotating mechanism on the one hand and the cylinder lifting or dumping mechanism on the other hand provides means by which the operator may select the various operations of .the machine as desired. This construction is best seen in Fig. 5 where the right half of the clutch mechanism will be described, it

being understood that the left half of the clutch shown in Figs. 8 and 10 permits longitudinal 4 movement of disk members 46 relative to the cage 43 during the engagement and release of the clutch. Springs 41 normally bias the clutch disks 46 away from the clutch disks 4|. A plurality of pawls 48 pivotally supported by the sleeve 48 have upwardly extending arms 49 adapted to press the disks 46 toward thecollar 42 when the horizontally extending arms 58 are engaged by slidable keys 5| whose ends are bev elled in a manner to engage the ends w of the pawls and rotate them clockwise as shownin connection with pawls 48a or counterclockwise in connection with pawls 48 as will be readily understood. The keys 5| are slidable by mechanism presently to be described. For controlling the adjustment of collar 42 an adjusting pin 52 engages in suitable openings 53 in plate 54. The pin 52 is spring pressed toward the plate and may be held out of engagement with the coacting holes by a handle 55 while the collar 42 is turned.

The mechanism for shifting the clutch controlling keys 5| is as follows: The keys are rigidly mounted in a clutch ring 56 which is engaged by a yoke 51 which in turn is secured to shaft 58'. This shaft is journalled in brackets 59 and 69 and carries at its right hand end an arm 6| which is connected by link 62 with an arm 63a which is rigid with the operating lever 63 pivotally mounted at 64 in a suitable bracket 65. The bracket 65 carries notches engageable anism at each end of the machine.

4 tatable about a stationary shaft I14 carried by by a-detent 66 spring pressed upwardly in the lever 63 and controlled by a button 61. By manipulation of the button 61 thelever 63 may be placed in neutral position as shown in full lines in Fig. 2 wherein neither of the clutch mechanisms is engaged or in the forward position shown in full lines in Fig. 8 corresponding to engagement of the left hand clutch member of Fig. 5 for rotating the cylinder or, with the lever toward the rear as shown in full lines in Fig. 10.

the right half of the clutch mechanism of Fig. 5 is engaged for a cylinder lifting or dumping operation.

With the left half or forward clutch engaged as shown in Fig. 5, shaft 31 rotates drum 45 which in turnsupports the bearing 310 for shaft 31. A solenoid operated brake 68 is adapted to coact with the drum 45. Drum 45 is keyed to shaft 69 which is suitably journalled in housing 10. Rigid with shaft 89 is a bevelled .pinion 1| which meshes with a bevelled pinion 12 rigid with shaft 13. This shaft is suitably journalled at the other end in bracket 14. Keyed to shaft 13 is a pinion 15 which meshes with a ring gear 16 which in turn is keyed to a gudgeon 11 which is connected with the washing cylinder 18 within the casing i8. It will be understood that this washing cylinder is of the usual perforated type having a circumferentially slidable door at one point about its periphery. The gudgeon 11 (and a similar gudgeon is provided at the opposite end of the cylinder) is journalled in a lifting arm 18 which by a suitable bearing at 19 is mounted to rotate freely about shaft 13. It is not essential to my invention that one shaft be utilized for mounting pinion 15 and for providing the bearing 19 but one of the advantages of my invention lies in the coaxial mounting of the pinion 15 and the pivots for the lifting arms 18 and 18a. The bearing 19a for lifting arm 18a at the other end of the cylinder is therefore axially alined with shaft 13.

As mentioned above, the right half of the clutch mechanism shown in Fig. 5 is adapted to drivingly connect shaft 31 with the cylinder lifting or dumping mechanism. When the right half of the clutch is engaged it drives the sprocket 44 which as previously described is rotatably mounted upon shaft 31. This sprocket is connected by drive chain 86 with a sprocket 8| best seen in Fig. 4, which is keyed to shaft 82 which is. suitably journalled in the frame 21 and carries a worm 83 which meshes with a worm wheel 84 keyed to shaft 85 which is suitably journalled in brackets 86 and 86a supported on the lower portions of the end frames i1 and Na. Rotatable with shaft 85 are pinions 81 and 81a which drive the cylinder lifting mech- Since the ends are alike the right end will be described and the similar parts at the left end will be given similar characters with the suffix a. Pinion 81 meshes with gear 88 which is rotatable about shaft 89 which is supported by the frame I1. A link 98 is pivotally connected at one end with the gear 88 as shown at 9| in Figs. 7 and 9 and at its other end this link is connected at 92 with the lifting arm 18. Rigid with gear 88 is a cam 93 having a suitable surface as shown in Figs. 6 and 9 to coact with mechanism for lifting the cover segment 25 as the cylinder is lifted.

nected by link 91 with the cover segment 25. As gear 89 is rotated the parts move from the position of Fig. 6 to that of Fig. 9 wherein cam 93 has raised the cover segment and link 90 has rotated the lift arm 18 about the bearing 19 on shaft 13 so as to raise the cylinder out of the casing for a dumping operation. Means is provided for moving certain portions of the gear guard covers out of the way during the dumping operation. To this end the portion 98 of the gear guard cover is fastened to the lifting arm 18 and a portion 99 of the gear guard cover is secured to the cover segment 25.

Means is provided for holding the sprocket 48 against drifting movement during operation of the cylinder rotating mechanism. This comprises a detent device best shown in Figs. 8 and 10. Shaft 64 which is movable with the oper-- ating lever 63 is journalled at its left end in bracket I00 and adjacent that bracket and keyed to shaft 64 is a bevelled pinion IOI meshing with a bevelled pinion I02 on shaft I03 which in turn is journalled at one end in bracket I00 and at the other end in bracket or'housing 39. At its rear end shaft I03 carries an arm I04 which is connected by link I05 with one arm of a bellcrank I06 which is pivotally mounted at I01 on the frame 21. The other arm of the bellcrank has a pin and slot connection I08 with a detent I09 spring pressed upwardly by spring H0. The upper end of detent I09 is adapted to engage between the teeth of sprocket 44 when the parts are in the position of Fig. 8 and prevents drifting of sprocket 44 during the rotation of cylinder 18'. When the operating lever 63 is moved to neutral position as shown in dot-dash lines in Fig. 8 the lost motion of the pin and slot connection I08 is taken up but the detent is still engaged. It is only when the operating lever is moved to the full line position of Fig. 10 that the detent 'is disengaged from the sprocket 44.

Means is provided for controlling the operating electrical circuits for motor 29 by movement of the control lever 63. To this end shaft I03 has rigid with it an arm I II which has a pin and slot connection with the operating lever II2,of a master control switch II3. This-switch comprises a drum II3a carrying suitable contacts adapted to engage and establish or break operating circuits for the motor as will be presently described.

The electrical control circuits are diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 11. The main power lines L1, L2 and L: are adapted to be connected by switches II4 with' the. motor terminals T1.

T2 and T3 respectively, or they are alternatively connected by switches II5 with the terminals T2, T1 and Ta respectively. The motor 29 is so arranged that the changing of the direction of flow by the switches I I4 and II 5 reverses the direction of rotation of the motor; A reversing control motor H6 is provided which drives a cam shaft.

operating cams Ill and 8 to make and break contacts H9 and. I20 automatically and continuously to cause motor reversal at regular periods during the washing operation..

The contacts of master switch 3 are diagrammatically shown in Fig. 11. The contacts carried by the drum II3a have been marked I2I to I26, while the stationary contacts have been marked A, B, C and D.

Control switches operable according to the position of the casing cover I9 are indicated at I21, I28 and I29. In Fig. 1. these switches are shown mounted upon a suitable bracket I in position to be thrown by cams I2'Ia, [28a and I29a respectively. These three switches are biased toward open position and are only closed when engaged by their respective cams.

Control buttons I3I, I32 and I33 are mounted outside the cover at the right hand end of the I33 is sufficiently removed machine. Button from I3I and I32 to require both hands of. the operator to press I33 and one of the other buttons simultaneously. I

The solenoid for actuating brake 33 is marked 33a. on the diagram and the solenoid for actuating brake 68 is marked 68a on the diagram.

With lever 63 inits forward position and the casing door closed, the machine is ready for a washing operation, that is to say the forward clutch portion is engaged as shown in Fig. 5 establishing the train of mechanical connections from motor 29 to. the ring gear 16 whereby the cylinder 18 may be rotated and the suitable electrical circuits are connected as follows:

In this position of lever 63, the following contacts are established at master switch II3: I2I--A, I22-B, I24-C, and I25D. Current then flows from L1 through line I34, contacts A and I2I, line I35, contacts I22 and 13, line I36, switch I21, line I31 through motor H6, and lines I38 and I39 to L3. Motor IIB therefore operates continuously so long as this circuit is established and alternately makes and breaks contacts II 9 and I20 through rotation of cams H1 and H8. At the same time a circuit is established leading from one of the terminals of switch I21 through line I40, the normally closed set of contacts assoelated with button I3I in its unoperated position shown in Fig. 11 through lines I and I65, the normally closed contacts associated with button I32 in its unoperated position as shown in Fig. 11, line I42, switch I28, line I43 to the contacts I I9 or I20 which are alternately opened and closed by the reversing control motor. If contacts II9 are closed the circuit is through line I44, contacts II9, lines I45 and I46, solenoid coil I41, and lines I48, I49 and I39 to L3. This energizes solenoid core 141a and closes the normally open switches I-I5 establishing a circuit for retating motor 29 in one direction. Upon the breaking of contacts H9 and the making of contacts I20 a circuit is completed through those contacts and lines I50 and I5I through solenoid coil I52 and lines I49 and I39 to L3. Energization of coil I52 actuates the core I52a and closes the normally open switches II4 to establish rotation of motor 29 in the reverse direction.

The motor brake 33 and the cylinder brake 68 are each applied when their respective solenoid coil is deenergized and the brakes are released whenever the solenoid coils are energized. With the washing circuits established as just described the cylinder brake is released so long as the lever 63 in its forward position establishing the contact at I24-C. The circuit thus established is from line I35 through lines I53 and I54, contacts I24 and C, line I55, coil 68a and lines I56 and I39 to L3. A circuit is also established from one of the terminals of switch I28 through line I51,

coil 33a and lines I58, I56 and I39 to L3 which This establishes circuits for inching" or rotating the cylinder by small increments in either direction to spot the cylinder door opening in registration with the casing door opening for access to the interior of the cylinder or for the arrangement of the cylinder in proper position for a dumping operation.

Assuming the casing door to have been opened at the end of a washing operation, switch I29 is closed as before described and switches I21 and I26 are open. A circuit is thus established through contacts I25 and D, line I59, switch. I29, line I66 to the normally open contacts controlled by button I33. If button I33 is closed two alternative circuits are possible through button I3I or button I32 to operate motor 29 in either direction of rotation to move the cylinder by small increments to spot it in the desired position. If button I3I is actuated it closes the lower set of contacts shown in Fig. ll'and establishes a circuit through lines I6I and I62, contacts I3Ia,

lines I63 and II, coil I52 and lines I49 and I39 to L3. This causes closing ofswitch II 4 and rotation of motor 29 in one direction so long as buttons I3I and I33 are held actuated. During this period the cylinder brake 68 is held released by the circuit previously described and the motor brake 33 is held released by a circuit through lines I64, I65, the normally closed contacts of button I32 and lines I42 and I51 to coil 33a as previously described.

lines in Fig. which establishes the rear clutch.

connection shown in Fig. 5 and establishes the following contacts at the master controlswitch II3 breaking all circuits previously, described: Segment I23 engages contact A and segment I 26 engages contact D. The casing door I9 must be opened for a dumping operation and a circuit is then established from L1 through line I34, contacts A and I23, lines I68, I54 and I53, contacts I26 and D, line I59, switch I29 and line I69 to the normally open contacts of button I33. By actuating button I33 and either button I3I or I32, motor 29 may be operated either to lift the cylinder out of the casing or to move it back into the casing depending upon which control button is actuated. To raise the cylinder out of the casing button I3I is depressed establishing a circuit through lines I6I and I62, contacts I3Ia, lines I63 and I5I, coil I52 and lines I49 and I39 to L3. If button I3I is held depressed long enough it will resultin again lowering the cylinder to position inside of the casing due to continuous rotation of gear 88 and cam 93. Generally, however, the control buttons are released when the cylinder reaches the desired dumping position as shown in Fig. 9. During the above described cylinder lifting operation, brake." is engaged against drum 45 to prevent movement of the cylinder rotating mechanism.. Brake 313 is released by a circuit established through lines I64 and I65, contacts I32, lines I42 and I51 and coil 33a. Upon release of button I3I this circuit through brake 33 is broken, coil 33a is deenergized and the motor brake 33 is applied to hold the cylinder in the position to which it has been raised.

To lower the cylinder from the position of Fig;

,I61, I42 and I51 through coil 33a to release the brake 33.

It will thus be apparent that I have provided a master control lever 63 which in one position establishes the necessary mechanical drive connections from motor 29 to cylinder 18 for a cylinder rotating operation while at the same time establishing the proper electrical circuits for the operation of motor 29. With lever 63 inthis forward position and with switch I29 open automatic mechanism is operable to alter-.- nately drive the motor in opposite directions for a washing operation. Upon the closing of switch. I29 manual control circuits are established and the automatic reversing control is disestablished so that the operation of motor 29 circuits and the movement of lever 63 to the rearward position establishes the mechanical drive connections for a dumping operation and coincidentally establishes the proper electric circuits therefor. Here again a manual control is provided for motor 29 to utilize the reverse circuits therefor to control either the raising or lowering of the cylinder relative to its casing. In all of these operations brakes are automatically engaged and disengaged to permit the free operation of the parts which. it is desired to move and coincidentally to prevent movement of those partswhich should be held for the safe operation of the machine. I have thus provided both a simple and foolproof control.

While theabove description is applicable to a washing machine having any suitable type of washing cylinder closed by a door. an additional operation is possible where the washing cylinder has a plurality of pockets. Such cylinders are in common use, the type most often met with being that wherein the cylinder-"is divided into three pockets by partition walls extending longitudinally of the cylinder on radiallines. I have indicated the approximate position of such partitions (if this type of cylinder is used) by lines I86 in Fig. 9. It will be understood that such a cylinder construction is similar to that disclosed in Patent No. 1,850,523, granted March 22, 1932, to G. H. West, insofar as the arrangement of partitions and the sliding door for each partition is concerned. In such a machine one of the partitionsis shown in dumping position in Fig. 9 and it will be understood that the door of this partition is beyond the outer wall of the casing and opened for a dumping operation. With the parts in the position of Fig. 9, the main control lever 63 may then be moved to its forward positionwhich establishes the driving connection through the forward half of the clutch and establishes the motor control circuits previously described in connection with the inching or spotting operation. It is then possible by actuation of button I33 and either button I 3I or I32 to rotate the cylinder. 18' in either direction-to spot one of the other compartments in dumping position. During this operation brakes 68 and 33 are released each time the control buttons are actuated but are immediately applied when the buttons are released and so hold the cylinder in any position to which it is rotated.

What I claim is: 1. In a washing machine, a casing, a rotatable washing cylinder therein, means for rotating said means from operative connection with'said power means, said clutch having a neutral point between said positions, a control member for moving said clutch to said operative positions,and means actuated by said control member for positively stopping all operative parts when said clutch is at said neutral point.

2. In a washing machine, a casing, a rotatable washing cylinder therein, means for rotating said cylinder, means for shifting said cylinder bodily relative to said casing, a power member, a control member having two operative positions and a neutral point between said positions, and means actuated by said control member in each of its two positions for operatively connecting said power member with one of said means while disconnecting said power member and the other of said means, and means actuated by said control member for positively stopping all operative parts when said control member is at said neutral point. a

3. In a washingimachine, a casing, a rotatable cylinder therein, said cylinder being arranged for a dumping movement out of and into said casing, an electric motor, selectively operable connections between said motor and said cylinder, one for rotating said cylinder and another for causing said dumping movement, two electrical circuits for operating said motor in opposite directions, each of said circuits including manual control means operable at will to selectthe direction of rotation desired, and one control member having positions for establishing either the connection for said cylinder-rotating operation or the connection for said cylinder-dumping operation, said control member in each of its positions being arranged to connect each of said circuits with said motor.

4. In a washing machine, a casing, a rotatable cylinder therein, said cylinder being arranged for a dumping movement out of and into saidcasing,

,coincidently establishing said cylinder rotating connection and for starting operation of said automatic means in one position, and in another position establishing said cylinder dumping connection and selecting said manual means.

5. In apparatus of the class described, a casing, a rotatable cylinder therein, said cylinder being mounted for a lifting movement out of and into said casing, a single control member having operative connections in one position for causing said rotational movement and having operative connections in another position for causing said lifting movement, and manually operated means .for controlling the direction of each of said movements at the will of the operator.

6. In apparatus of the class described, a casing, a cylinder mounted therein for rotational movement, said cylinder being mounted for a lifting movement out of and into said casing, means for causing each of said movements including a single control member having positions for causing each of said movements, and manual means common to both movement-causing-means for controlling the direction of each of said movements.

7. In a washing machine, a casing, a rotatable washing cylinder therein, an electric motor, an operative connection between said motor and cylinder for shifting said cylinder bodily relative to said casing, a normally applied brake for hold-- ing said connection in any of its operated positions, an electrically operated devicefor releasing said brake, a secondoperative connection between said motor and said cylinder for causing rotation of said cylinder, a normally applied brake effective upon said second connection for holding said cylinder against rotation, an electrically operated device for releasing said last named brake, and means for simultaneously energizing said motor and one of said devices,-

whereby each of said brak'es is normally applied and released only when said motor is energized.

8. In a washing machine, a casing, a rotatable washing cylinder therein, an electric motor, an

operative connection between said motor and said cylinder for shifting said cylinder bodily relative to said casing, a normally applied brake operative on said connection for holding said cylinder in any position to which it is shifted, an electrically operated device for releasing said brake, and one circuit for energizing said motor and said device, whereby said brake is released during a cylinder shifting operation and ap plied when said operation ceases.

9. In a washing machine, a casing, a rotatable washing cylinder therein, means for rotating said cylinder, means for shifting said cylinder bodily relative to said casing, an electric motor, a'twoway clutch having operative connections with said motor and with each of said means, said clutch having positions on opposite sides of a neutral point and being arranged in each of its positions for placing one of said means in operative relation with said motor while simultaneously disconnecting the other of said means from operative connection with said motor, normally applied brakes, one efiective on each of said means for holding it against operation, electrically operated devices, one for each brake adapted when energized to release its associated brake, means for supplying electric current to each of said devices by movement of said clutch to position for operating its associated means, and means for deenergizing said devices by movement of said clutch to its neutral point, whereby both brakes are applied when said clutch is in neutral position.

10. In a washing machine, a casing, a rotatable washing cylinder therein, means for rotating said cylinder, means for shifting said cylinder bodily relative to said casing, a power means, a

control member having operative positions on opposite sides of a neutral point adapted respectively to cause an operative connection between said power means and one of said first or second named means, means for locking said cylinder shifting means against operation, and said control member having an operative connection with said locking means for holding it in locking position when said control member is in cylinder rotating causing position or in neutral position.

11. In a washing machine, a casing, a reversibly rotatable cylinder therein, said cylinder being mounted for shifting movement out of and int said casing for a dumping operation, an electric motor, selectively operable connections between said motor and cylinder for causing said rotational and shifting movements respectively, control means for establishing each of said connections at will, circuits for operating said motor in opposite directions to cause said movements, and

manual means common to said circuits for controlling the direction of motor operation.

FRANK A. GERLACI-If

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